Looking for something uniquely to do when you visit Whangarei? Make sure you stop by Te Matau a Pohe, Whangarei Lift Bridge the city’s spectacular rolling-lift bridge inspired by Māori culture and cutting-edge design.
Located just a short walk from the vibrant Town Basin, this award-winning bridge isn’t just a way to cross the river it’s an experience in itself. Watch the bridge lift at 12 noon daily as its J-shaped arms rise like a giant fishhook, letting boats glide through the Hatea River. It’s a moment that always draws a crowd, especially on sunny days when the waterfront buzzes with locals and visitors alike.
The bridge’s design pays homage to local Māori chief Wiremu Pohe, whose legacy of hospitality lives on in this modern landmark. Take a stroll along the scenic Hatea Loop Walk, explore nearby attractions like the Camera Obscura, and enjoy the cafes, markets, and galleries that make Whangarei a true Northland gem.
Officially opened in July 2013, Te Matau a Pohe has become a defining landmark for the city, providing both practical value and cultural significance. But what makes this bridge so special?
The name Te Matau a Pohe translates to “The Fishhook of Pohe”, a reference to the legendary Māori chief Wiremu Pohe, who was known for welcoming early European settlers to the region. The bridge’s signature curved lifting arms are shaped like a traditional Māori fishhook (matau), making it not just a piece of transport infrastructure, but a powerful symbol of hospitality, heritage, and connection.
Te Matau a Pohe isn’t your average bridge. It’s one of only about 11 operational rolling bascule bridges in the world. When boats need to pass beneath, the central span of the bridge gracefully lifts by rolling back on a curved track—an elegant mechanical ballet that takes just under 2 minutes to complete.
The bridge spans a total length of 265 meters and provides a clearance of 7.5 meters when closed. For vessels taller than 6.5 meters, a lift can be requested via VHF Channel 18 or by phone. On average, the bridge completes around six lifts per day, with a public lift scheduled daily at 12 noon—a popular spectacle for both locals and visitors.
Connecting Communities and Creating Opportunities, Beyond its engineering, Te Matau a Pohe plays a vital role in local transport. Designed for up to 8,000 vehicles daily, it now handles more than 11,000, easing congestion and enhancing access to Whangārei’s Town Basin, waterfront trails, and airport.
Its presence has helped catalyze local development, including the scenic Hātea Loop Walk, public art installations, and nearby attractions like the Camera Obscura. It’s more than a bridge it’s a cultural anchor and recreational gateway.
In 2023, Te Matau a Pohe celebrated 10 years in operation, having completed over 20,000 successful lifts. It has earned multiple awards for design and engineering, including recognition from the Institution of Structural Engineers and Roading New Zealand.
Notably, its combination of steel-composite design, seismic resilience, and architectural creativity was brought to life by UK-based Knight Architects and Eadon Consulting, along with local contractors and designers. The result is a bridge that’s safe, efficient, and visually striking especially when lit up in colors for special events.
Whether you’re walking the loop, sailing the river, or simply watching a midday lift, Te Matau a Pohe invites you to pause and appreciate the harmony of form, function, and culture, Whangārei’s waterfront charm, Te Matau a Pohe stands as a proud reminder that infrastructure can do more than connect places—it can connect people and stories.